go for broke
Meaning
To risk everything in one bold attempt to achieve a big goal; go “all in.”
Origin
From gambling: to “go for broke” meant to keep betting until you were broke (out of money). It broadened to mean risking everything for a decisive win in any situation.
Notes
Means taking a high-stakes, all-or-nothing risk. Often admiring/spirited, but can imply recklessness depending on context.
Examples
-
With only one round left, she decided to go for broke and bet everything on red.
-
If we’re going to enter this market, we might as well go for broke and launch nationwide.
-
He went for broke in the final minutes, pushing the pace despite the risk of crashing.
-
After years of saving, they went for broke and poured it all into their first restaurant.
-
I was nervous, but I went for broke and asked my boss for a promotion during the review.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed phrase. Usually used as “go for broke” (imperative or after a subject: “We decided to go for broke”). Can be inflected: “went for broke,” “going for broke.” Often followed by “and + verb.”
Synonyms
- go all in
- risk it all
- bet the farm
- shoot the works
Antonyms
- play it safe
- take it easy
- hold back
- hedge your bets